AFE’s Adventure at North Carolina State University: Research and Scholarships in Action

Picture this: a group of industry leaders from AFE’s Board of Trustees and Staff embarking on a journey to North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, NC, for our board and committee meetings, along with a university tour. The trip provided us with the opportunity to spend some time with faculty and students who directly benefit from the Endowment’s programs. Twice a year, the Endowment Board meets in person to engage in strategic discussions and review past, present, and upcoming initiatives, charting the course for the future. The meetings provide for direct industry engagement and feedback on AFE’s programs. This February, however, held an extra special treat—a tour of NCSU and the chance to witness firsthand the impact of AFE’s…

Educating and Empowering: AFE’s Commitment to Continued Education for the Floral Industry

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is pleased to announce that it is awarding $63,990 in Educational Grants to 19 organizations in 2023-24. This funding will help these organizations host conferences, teach students and educators about the floral industry, offer programs such as greenhouse training and florist certification classes, promote sustainability practices, and more. AFE’s Educational Grants represent an ongoing commitment to the future of the floral industry. By supporting education at all levels, AFE is helping to ensure that the industry has the latest skills, knowledge, programs, and technology it needs to succeed. 2023-2024 Educational Grants Awarded to: America in Bloom – America in Bloom Educational Symposium American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) – Bringing FFA to AIFD Symposium Orlando,…

The Influence of Internships

AFE’s Visits with Students and Faculty at Michigan State University Just a few short weeks ago, AFE Staff, alongside the Vic & Margaret Ball Committee, had the opportunity to visit Michigan State University (MSU) to review internship applications, select students, and spend some time with faculty and students who directly benefit from the Endowment’s programs. Every year, the Vic & Margaret Ball Committee meets in March and October to evaluate applications and select students for its prestigious internship program. The program awards three-, four-, or six-month internships to students pursuing a career in commercial production/growing.  On top of the paid internship, students receive a scholarship of up to $6,000 upon completion. This program grants a full-circle experience of both hands-on…

2024 National Floriculture Forum: A Gathering of Floriculture Experts and Educators!

We cordially invite floriculture stakeholders from academic institutions, governmental agencies, and the floriculture/greenhouse industry to join us in Biloxi for the 2024 National Floriculture Forum (NFF) taking place from Thursday to Saturday, February 22-24, 2024. For over two decades, dedicated faculty and educators have collaborated to organize these annual events that promote unity, communication, and advancement within the floriculture community. .“After a pause due to the global pandemic, the 2024 National Floriculture Forum will make an exciting return, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and students in the spirit of collaboration and innovation that has long defined the floricultural community,” Dr. Jim DelPrince, this year’s conference co-chair, said. “This event holds great significance as we move forward together, addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie…

A Launchpad for an Exciting Career in Floriculture: AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program

Learning from experienced professionals, completing hands-on training, and making connections that could lead to your dream job—that’s just some of what the American Floral Endowment’s Vic and Margaret Ball Internship Program provides for students!Through the Vic and Margaret Ball Internship Program, interns are placed at top production greenhouses across the United States, where they work alongside experienced professionals to learn about all aspects of the industry, from growing and harvesting flowers, to shipping, and conducting research and testing. One of the highlights of the Program is the opportunity for students’ advisors to visit them on-site. During the visit, advisors have the chance to check in with the interns, tour the site, and meet the student’s coworkers and supervisors. After each visit…

Helping the Next Generation Succeed at ASHS

Warm weather, beautiful summer blooms, and a vibrant student presence were the backdrop for this year’s American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida from July 31-August 4th, which was attended by nearly 1100 people. AFE was proud to support ASHS’s efforts to engage young professionals by sponsoring the Education and Career Day, the Undergraduate Poster Competition, and the Floriculture Professional Interest Group’s Oral Presentation Competition for Graduate students. AFE’s Research Coordinator Laura Barth attended to present the AFE-sponsored awards and connect with AFE Young Professionals Council (YPC) members and scholarship winners who were in attendance. Events like ASHS are crucial in the development of budding researchers, growers, educators, and leaders, and AFE is dedicated to fostering…

Developing and Celebrating Young Professionals

At the American Floral Endowment, we know that the future of our industry is dependent on fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Through scholarships, internships, career resources, and the Young Professionals Council, the Endowment aims to support young professionals at each step in their journey in floriculture from education into their careers. By aiding the next generation with over 30 annual scholarships and three internship programs, we are ensuring that students have the tools and funding that they need to pursue an education in floriculture, keeping our industry competitive with other fields. This includes a special invitation to get involved through our Young Professionals Council (YPC) and utilize the AFE Career Center to prepare them for their new careers. However, the…

22 Students Recognized with Scholarships

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) provides more scholarships in floriculture than any other organization to help attract, retain, and support young professionals to our industry. AFE scholarships act as a powerful catalyst for the next generation of floral industry leaders. Financial constraints can deter many students, but with the help of these scholarships, future industry leaders and innovators are able to access quality education and training, paving the way for a promising future in the floral industry. Congratulations to our Scholarship Class of 2023! This year, we have awarded 22 students from 13 universities with scholarships, totaling $58,100. In 2023, we received 86 applications from colleges and universities all over the nation. We would like to give a special thank you…

A Visit with Mosmiller Intern, Gabriella, at Jacksonville Flower Market

The deadline to apply for our two hands-on internship programs is approaching quickly! Students can apply for our Vic & Margaret Ball and Mosmiller Intern Programs by Sunday, October 1st. These internships are great for both students and floral organizations – students gain industry experience working at some of the top companies in the country, and companies get to bring on new, forward-thinking individuals to their operations, helping ensure a steady pipeline of new talent into the industry. Our Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program gives students the opportunity to gain practical floriculture/horticulture experience while training at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery, while our Mosmiller Internship Program allows students to train at leading retail, wholesale, or allied trade operations. One…

AFE at AIFD: A Whirlwind Floral Experience

AFE Communications Coordinator Gracie Alvarez had the chance to travel to Chicago for the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Symposium over the Fourth of July weekend! While there, she visited the “Bringing FFA to AIFD” group, viewed main stage showcases from world-renowned designers, and participated in the PFDE test.  Renee’ Potter, Arizona Retail Florist Travel Grant Recipient Renee’ Potter, our 2023 Arizona Retail Florist Travel Grant Recipient, used her grant funding to attend this year’s Symposium. Renee’ Potter is the owner of Fred’s Flowers in Tempe, AZ. Renee’ was able to stay for the full Symposium and had this to say about her experience: “The AIFD Symposium was great as always! I was inspired by the mainstage design programs. There…

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